According to the suggestions of Pedro Mendonça, our bulthaup Partner in Lisbon, you can't miss the experience of dining at the Hotel Fortaleza do Guincho restaurant (Estrada do Guincho, Praia do Guincho, Cascais). “This Michelin-starred restaurant has much more to offer than what first meets the eye. Its contemporary French nouvelle cuisine with a strong Portuguese accent is in perfect harmony with its magical location, right on the Atlantic Ocean. Chef Vincent Farges (winner of the prestigious Chef de l’Avenir award in 2012/2013) imbues each one of his dishes with immense sensitivity and humanity. Tasting his creations is also a 'process' in which truly authentic values converge, and in which you attain a heightened sense of uniqueness, making the experience a moment like none other."

Pedro Mendonça, bulthaup Partner in Lisbon, and his associates

If you want to catch the pulse of everyday life in one of the city's neighborhoods, try Restaurante Pap’Açorda (Rua da Atalaia 57, Bairro Alto). “In the 1980s it was one of the first to modernize Portuguese cuisine, and has continued pursuing this aim in the midst of a traditional yet highly diverse neighborhood."

The Confeitaria Nacional (Praça da Figueira 18B, Baixa Pombalina) was founded over 170 years ago and "has been managed by five generations of the Castanheira family. Located 'na Baixa' between two of the city's main squares, in the old quarter of the capital of Portugal, it is a fine example of Pombaline architecture. If you visit it, you will find traditional pastries served in the charming atmosphere of its tearoom. You can even stop in for a meal and take a break before continuing your stroll."

If you're one of those people who like to pack the city's fragrances in your suitcase when it's time to go home, you must visit Casa Pereira (Rua Garrett 38, Chiado, Lisbon). “One single family runs this traditional shop, with the same atmosphere and the same laconic employees you could imagine finding there a hundred years ago. Cookies, candies, teas (including the Gorreana brand from the island of São Miguel dos Açores, port wines, chocolates, and coffee grinders that fill the charismatic store with an unforgettable aroma of coffee."

We would like to thank Pedro Mendonça, bulthaup Partner in Lisbon, for his contribution to this post and to the photographer Robert Golec.